Guide to Float shotting & weights
My Guide to Float Shotting & Weights
Understanding float capacity is one of the most important skills in angling. It's the difference between a bait that looks like a "brick" falling through the water and one that looks like a natural, falling food source.
This guide is designed to help you understand shotting capacities and, more importantly, how best to use different shot sizes to improve and adjust presentation.
Understanding the Shotting Chart
Every float has a rated capacity (e.g., 4 No. 4 or 2AAA). Use the table below to understand exactly what those weights mean in grams and how you can "break them down" into smaller combinations.
| Shot Size | Weight | Shot equivalent |
| SSG | 1.6 gram | 2 x AAA |
| AAA | 0.8 gram | 2 x BB |
| BB | 0.4 gram | 2 x No'4 |
| No'1 | 0.3 gram | 3 x No'6 |
| No'4 | 0.2 gram | 2 x No'6 |
| No'6 | 0.1 gram | 2 x No'9 |
| No'8 | 0.06 gram | 2 x No'11 |
| No'9 | 0.05 gram | |
| No'10 | 0.04 gram | 2 x No'12 |
| No'11 | 0.03 gram | |
| No'12 | 0.02 gram | 2 x No'13 |
| No'13 | 0.01 gram |
The Logic: Total Capacity vs. Presentation
Weights are approximate, but they are essential for calculating how to balance your float.
1. Calculating Total Weight If you have a stick float rated for 6 No. 4 shot, you can calculate the total capacity easily:
- A No. 4 shot is 0.2 g.
- 0.2g x 6 = 1.2g total capacity.
2. Achieving a Natural Fall Better presentation is often achieved by using more shot of a smaller size rather than a few large ones. This creates a more realistic bait fall that triggers more bites.
Example: To make up that same 1.2 g capacity for a slow, fluttering fall on a stick float, you could use 19 x No. 8 plus 3 x No. 12.
3. Wagglers (unshotted) Set ½ to ¾ of the floats capacity at the base of the float (casting weight) the rest of the shotting could be a small block of shot and a few droppers starting in around the bottom ¼ of the depth, or just bellow half depth. Want to know more?
How to Use This Guide
- Save it to your phone: Take a screenshot or save this page to your bookmarks for a quick reference on the bank.
- Print the PDF: Use the link below to download a "pocket-sized" version of the chart to keep in your seat box. Download a printable version here
- Experiment: Don't just stick to the printed capacity on the float. Use the chart to work out how to spread that weight for different depths and flows.
- YouTube: Why not pop over to my YouTube channel where you'll find all sorts of info hints and tips that you may find useful. Check it out here
- What shot: Shot can be personal preference but I'd recomend Anchor shot for ease of use.